I know it has been an eternity since I have written in this blog. Rather, it feels as such for me. I received communications from readers in both America and South Africa asking me to post. My reasons for not keeping to my formerly regimented schedule of blogging are the same as those of any other AFSer who blogs. Simply put, there just isn't enough time to sit down weekly and organize my thoughts into an informative yet readable blogpost. As my English teachers at North Shore taught me, it is important to write with the audience in mind. When I started my blog, I considered my audience to be family, friends and perhaps a few curious teachers of mine. I had no idea that the scope of the audience now would be so broad. However, so be it. I feel so rewarded that people from literally every corner of the world read this blog. I hope that I have inspired other students to make the leap to go abroad and to give those who cannot travel a window into my life abroad.
Since June 9th, which was the last time I posted, a lot has taken place. I feel like I say that frequently, but it's true!
Now I am not only officially a high school graduate, but I have finally finished my senior year of high school abroad! It felt so strange going to school in mid-June, but that's what you do in South Africa. School here runs from January to December. Currently we have a two and a half week vacation period. Therefore, I am officially on my second "winter break" of this academic year. Confusing? I sometimes think so. They days in Cape Town are much shorter than they are in Chicago now. The sun rises at about 7:45 a.m. and sets promptly at six. It is a far cry from seeing the sun bright at six and shine until eight. Perhaps that is what I miss the most about home--the seemingly endless days of summer.
Last week Thursday, my high school here had our Matric Dance. For those of you non-South Africans, a Matric Dance is the equivalent of senior prom. Just like at home, we met at someone's house for pictures before the affair, went to an event hall for the dance, and then had an after party. It was a really nice affair and all of my classmates ensured it was a special night for all. They even made a special mention of the fact that I won't be going back to school for third term, and that they will miss me. Thanks again, SRC for doing that!
Other than my end-of-school related matters, life here has been relatively monotonous. Since I'm on my school vacation now I have had the opportunity to relax for the last few days. The remainder of the holidays will be spent doing some community work, sightseeing with other AFSers, chilling with my school friends, and then going to Phalaborwa to visit my AFS friends from Switzerland. Once in Phalaborwa I will have the opportunity to go to the Kruger National Park. For those of you who do not know what the Kruger Park is, you must look it up. It is one of the most iconic places to visit in all of South Africa.
As June is coming to an end, I only have one full month left here in Africa. As much as I have moments during which I'd like to be at home, it will be hard to say goodbye. I will miss everyone here in South Africa and will never forget them. It's certainly not over yet, but I am well aware that the time is going to "fly" from now.
Cheers!
Danny
No comments:
Post a Comment